March 2001 Observations

File date: 3/1/01
Subject: Living in the Lap of Luxury
Observation:
Ikuni found an apartment. According to Tiffany (who helped him find the apartment), he was excited the complex's pool and three (count them!) three jaccuzi's.

"It's probably the most luxurious apartment I've ever lived in" says Ikuni, used to Tokyo's cramped quarters.

Matsukura, Be-papas' general manager responsible for the day-to-day expenses of the company, writes in her email the next day: "One month... times 12-months a year... Ouch!"

As another who takes care of corporate budget, I understand the caprices of the creative elite.


File date: 3/3/01
Subject: Ohtori Academy in a Furniture Store
Observation:
IKEA may be the American equivalent to the Ohtori Academy.

We took Ikuni to IKEA to buy furniture. A circular, bright red rug hangs from the ceiling, and Ikuni sits admiringly in a chair underneath it.

Wait... It looks like the 'Rose Crest!' - the school emblem of Ohtori Academy.

Damn... a photo opportunity missed!


File date: 3/7/01
Subject: English Pains
Observation:
Ikuni has been feeling pain in his stomach for a while. He says it's mainly when he has to think a lot or study.

Diagnosis: Fake sickness - still has a lot of vocab to learn.


File date: 3/9/01
Subject: Going Back to School
Observation:
DMI PR manager Ardith took Ikuni to the UCLA anime club meeting on the March 7th. She's a former president of the club. Same goes for Rhona Medina, Marketing Manager at Urban Vision. UCLA anime club presidency gets you in the industry? The question sat for a moment on Ikuni's face before the barrage of questions.

A group of about six to eight girls kept stealing glances at Ikuni, quickly turning around giggling when he would return the stare.

Ikuni went on stage and talked about how he stopped watching anime when he started chasing after girls.

"Who cares about where the boosters are on the mecha! I want to know how to ask her out tomorrow."

Girls over Gundam. This is another way of getting into the anime industry?


File date: 3/17/01
Subject: Don't Bite More Than You Can Chew
Observation:
DMI intern Ken takes Ikuni to Best Buy to buy a TV.

I suggested that Ikuni buy a 20" TV because it's big enough to enjoy and easy enough to carry by yourself. What does he do? Ikuni listens to Ken, who tells him that a bigger TV would be cooler. Men!

It's fine and dandy if they're able to carry the TV on their own. Can they? Nooooo. I get a call on Saturday morning, "Can you bring your car out? The TV doesn't fit in Ken's car." Men!


File date: 3/31/01
Subject: Comedic Duo
Observation:
Digital Manga accompanied Ikuni to Fanime Con in Santa Clara, California. The Ikuni panel on Friday was filled with "Utena" cosplayers. Ikuni and interpretor Taka, a translator who occasionally works for VIZ and was picked personally by Ikuni to translate the "Utena" movie, look pleased with the big turn-out of young, nubile women.

With a straight face, Ikuni talks about how he doesn't understand why he doesn't have a girlfriend with his good looks. Sitting in the back of the room, I choke on my Jamba Juice smoothie.

With a straight face, Taka translates Ikuni's comments by using the word "spiffy." Spiffy?! Sitting in the back of the room, I fall out of my chair.

Ikuni panels are bad for my health.


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